Opening up a bank account in the USA

[Steve and Amara 0]

Hi there,

Im the non-US citzen; when I arrive in America one of the first things I would like to do is open up a bank account. What have peoples experiences been? Have you had problems getting a bank account on a valid K1 Visa or AOS?

What documentation do they require?

Cheers in advance

-Amara

[TiffandDai 0]

Most times you just need a social security number to open a bank account, saying that though each bank is different. If your fiancee has a bank account in the states I would try them first.

[Steve and Amara 0]

Most times you just need a social security number to open a bank account, saying that though each bank is different. If your fiancee has a bank account in the states I would try them first.

Great thanks for that, its a start!

I have read that I could apply for an Individual Tax Payer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service using the IRS Form W-7?

Anyone heard anything about in regards to a fiance on a K1 Visa in the process of filng for AOS (though not yet married).

Cheers!

[Slightly Bonkers 0]

My understanding is that an ITIN number is used for tax filing when an alien doesn't have a SSN.

You'll need to get a SSN anyway, I would just recommend doing that as soon as you arrive, and once you've received your number (you don't even have to wait for the card), many banks will let you open an account. It can be hit and miss however, many banks don't know how to deal with immigrants. So if at first you don't succeed ....

[payxibka 10,047]

moving to "Moving here and your new life in America" Forum

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Most times you just need a social security number to open a bank account, saying that though each bank is different. If your fiancee has a bank account in the states I would try them first.

Great thanks for that, its a start!

I have read that I could apply for an Individual Tax Payer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service using the IRS Form W-7?

Anyone heard anything about in regards to a fiance on a K1 Visa in the process of filng for AOS (though not yet married).

Cheers!

A person entering on a K-1 visa can get an SSN immediately (K-2, child, has to wait until green card) it will be marked "valid for employment only with DHS approval" but it is suffiecient to get a bank account or be added to your husband's account. My wife applied for the SSN the day after she arrived, as soon as we had the card she was added to my account and has since opened another account where she is keeping some of her mother's money. She had no problems to get the SSN or open the bank accounts.

[Big Papa Zone 93]

It can be hit and miss however, many banks don't know how to deal with immigrants.

You're not wrong there. When I was over there on a K-1 I went into my local branch of Regions (or Union Planters as it was known then) and I had no SSN at the time. Of course, being a hick town , the lady dealing with me had no clue how to proceed with things, so she called one of her seniors for advice.

Anyway, whatever her boss told her seemed to have the desired effect, and an account was duly opened for me. When I informed the lady that I had no SSN after she had asked me for one, I was assigned one: 000-00-0000 I'm sure that's not how it's supposed to work, but like you say, some people have no clue when it comes to immigrants.

[wifetobe 2]

It can be hit and miss however, many banks don't know how to deal with immigrants.

You're not wrong there. When I was over there on a K-1 I went into my local branch of Regions (or Union Planters as it was known then) and I had no SSN at the time. Of course, being a hick town , the lady dealing with me had no clue how to proceed with things, so she called one of her seniors for advice.

Anyway, whatever her boss told her seemed to have the desired effect, and an account was duly opened for me. When I informed the lady that I had no SSN after she had asked me for one, I was assigned one: 000-00-0000 I'm sure that's not how it's supposed to work, but like you say, some people have no clue when it comes to immigrants.

Being assigned one...that's alright innit!! go go!

Was you over there on a K1 before?? I didn't know that...

[Big Papa Zone 93]

It can be hit and miss however, many banks don't know how to deal with immigrants.

You're not wrong there. When I was over there on a K-1 I went into my local branch of Regions (or Union Planters as it was known then) and I had no SSN at the time. Of course, being a hick town , the lady dealing with me had no clue how to proceed with things, so she called one of her seniors for advice.

Anyway, whatever her boss told her seemed to have the desired effect, and an account was duly opened for me. When I informed the lady that I had no SSN after she had asked me for one, I was assigned one: 000-00-0000 I'm sure that's not how it's supposed to work, but like you say, some people have no clue when it comes to immigrants.

Being assigned one...that's alright innit!! go go!

Was you over there on a K1 before?? I didn't know that...

Have I never told you that I was over there for 2 years on a F-1? I've mentioned it enough on here!!! And tbf, I think the bird in my bank really was clueless; I'm pretty sure that wouldn't have happened normally!

It's no biggy getting an SSN now though; it only takes a couple of weeks. At the time, mine took 6 weeks or more, hence my situation.

[baron555 934]

I'm new to these forums and hope I am not out of line here.

I agree with the bank account as soon as possible. I would also suggest the use of a debit / credit card. To me this beats writing checks and all that but one must still balance their account, etc.

Also, I'd suggest everyone look into opening an ING Orange on-line savings account. It pays better interest than any bank account and is electronically linked to your bank account. Just takes a couple of days to transfer funds back and forth electronically.

Phil